Housing of an image capturing device

ABSTRACT

A housing of an imaging unit is disclosed. The housing comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the housing defines a lens channel sized to receive a lens barrel. Further, the inner surface of the housing defines a helical step in the lens channel, wherein the helical step protrudes outwardly into the lens channel, and wherein the helical step is angled at a first predetermined pitch. Further, the inner surface of the lens channel defines a glue pocket, in the lens channel, which extends from the inner surface of the housing to the outer surface of the housing such that a first edge surface, defining a portion of a periphery of the glue pocket, is coplanar with the helical step.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 17/857,885, entitled “HOUSING OF AN IMAGE CAPTURINGDEVICE,” and filed Jul. 5, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/594,831, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,428,896, entitled“HOUSING OF AN IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE,” and filed Oct. 7, 2019, theentireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to animage capturing device and, more particularly, to a housing of animaging unit in the image capturing device.

BACKGROUND

Typically, image capturing devices, such as but not limited to, cameras,barcode scanners, and imagers, include an imaging unit that isconfigured to capture images of an object. The imaging unit furtherincludes a housing, an image sensor and a lens barrel. The housing maybe configured to receive the image sensor and the lens barrel in such amanner that ambient light passes through the lens barrel and is focusedon the image sensor. In order to ensure that the light from the lensbarrel focuses on the image sensor, the lens barrel and the image sensorneed to be aligned with each other.

In some examples, the housing may include features such as flanges andprotrusions that are used to define a position, where the lens barreland the image sensor are to be positioned or installed. Accordingly, thefeatures in the housing facilitate alignment between the lens barrel andthe image sensor. Further, to reinforce the alignment between the lensbarrel and the image sensor, adhesive may be used to fixedly attach thelens barrel and the image sensor to the housing. However, in someexamples, post application of the adhesive, the adhesive may shrink (forexample by −0.015 mm). Such property of the adhesive may cause the lensbarrel to move, within the housing, leading to a misalignment betweenthe image sensor and the lens barrel.

Applicant has identified a number of deficiencies and problemsassociated with conventional housing of the image capturing device.Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of theseidentified problems have been solved by developing solutions that areincluded in embodiments of the present disclosure, many examples ofwhich are described in detail herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to the embodiments disclosed herein, an image capturing deviceis disclosed. The image capturing device comprises an imaging unit thatfurther comprises a housing. The housing has an inner surface. The innersurface of the housing defines a lens channel. Further, the innersurface of the housing defines a helical step that protrudes outwardlyfrom the inner surface into the lens channel. The helical step is angledat a first predetermined pitch. The inner surface of the lens channelfurther defines a glue pocket, in the lens channel, which extends fromthe inner surface of the housing to an outer surface of the housing suchthat a first edge surface, defining a portion of a periphery of the gluepocket, is parallel with a portion of the helical step. Further, theimaging unit comprises a lens barrel received in the lens channel. Thelens barrel comprising an outer surface that defines a cam such that thecam protrudes out from the outer surface of the lens barrel. The outersurface of the lens barrel further defines a helical rib that protrudesout from the outer surface of the lens barrel, wherein the helical ribhaving a second predetermined pitch, wherein the first predeterminedpitch is the same as the second predetermined pitch. The portion of thehelical rib extends out from the first edge surface, defining theportion of the periphery of the glue pocket.

According to the embodiments disclosed herein, a housing of an imagingunit is disclosed. The housing comprises an outer surface and an innersurface. The inner surface of the housing defines a lens channel sizedto receive a lens barrel. Further, the inner surface of the housingdefines a helical step in the lens channel, wherein the helical stepprotrudes outwardly into the lens channel, and wherein the helical stepis angled at a first predetermined pitch. Further, the inner surface ofthe lens channel defines a glue pocket, in the lens channel, whichextends from the inner surface of the housing to the outer surface ofthe housing such that a first edge surface, defining a portion of aperiphery of the glue pocket, is parallel with a portion of the helicalstep.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read inconjunction with the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated thatfor simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in thefigures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, thedimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to otherelements. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosureare shown and described with respect to the figures presented herein, inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an image capturing device,according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an imaging unit, according toone or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the imaging unit, according toone or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view a housing of the imaging unit,according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a first lens barrel,respectively, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the first lens barrel, respectively,according to one or more embodiments described herein; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the imaging unit, according to one ormore embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichsome, but not all embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, thesedisclosures may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicablelegal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.Terminology used in this patent is not meant to be limiting insofar asdevices described herein, or portions thereof, may be attached orutilized in other orientations.

The term “comprising” means including but not limited to, and should beinterpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context.Use of broader terms such as “comprises,” “includes,” and “having”should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as“consisting of,” “consisting essentially of,” and “comprisedsubstantially of”

The phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” and thelike generally mean that the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic following the phrase may be included in at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, or may be included in more thanone embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases donot necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations.

If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,”“could,” “should,” “would,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,”“optionally,” “for example,” “often,” or “might” (or other suchlanguage) be included or have a characteristic, that particularcomponent or feature is not required to be included or to have thecharacteristic. Such component or feature may be optionally included insome embodiments, or it may be excluded.

The term “image sensor” is referred to as a solid state device that iscapable of generating electrical signals corresponding to the lightsignals that impinges on the image sensor. Some examples of the imagesensor may include a color or monochrome 1D or 2D CCD, CMOS, NMOS, PMOS,CID CMD solid state image sensor or any other device, that may becapable to generating electrical signal based on the received lightsignals.

It is commonly understood that image capturing devices such as indiciareaders or barcode scanners have an imaging unit that is capable ofcapturing and processing images. In some examples, the imaging unit mayinclude a housing for one or more components such as one or more lenses(positioned in a lens barrel), an image sensor and a controller. In anexample embodiment, the one or more components may operate inconjunction, to facilitate the image capturing device to capture andprocess an image of the object. For instance, the one or more lenses inthe lens barrel may focus the light obtained from the object on theimage sensor that, accordingly, generates electrical signals. Thecontroller may, thereafter, process the electrical signals to render thecaptured image.

In some examples, an alignment between the lens barrel and the imagesensor may govern the quality of the captured image. Misalignmentbetween the lens barrel and the image sensor may lead to capturing of anout of focus image, which may be undesirable. In order to keep the lensbarrel aligned with the image sensor, the housing of the imaging unitmay define features such as grooves or flanges that may ensure that thelens barrel and the image sensor are aligned with each other. To thisend, adhesive may be applied between the lens barrel and the housing tokeep the lens barrel fixed at a position within the housing, therebyaligning the lens barrel with the image sensor. In some examples, curingof the adhesive causes the adhesive to shrink by few millimeters ormicrometers. Such phenomena may modify the position of the lens barrelwithin the imaging unit, which may further lead to misalignment betweenthe image sensor and the lens barrel.

The apparatuses described herein disclose an image capturing device thatincludes an imaging unit. The imaging unit further includes a cuboidalshaped housing (hereinafter referred to as housing) having a sensor endportion and a scan window end portion. Further, the housing has an outersurface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the housing definesat least one lens channel. In some examples, the at least one lenschannel has a cylindrical shape and extends from the sensor end portionto the scan window end portion. Further, in some examples, the at leastone lens channel may be sized to receive a lens barrel. For example, theat least one lens channel may be sized larger than lens barrel such thatthe lens barrel is seamlessly received in the at least one lens channel.

Further, the inner surface of the housing defines a helical ramp withinthe at least one lens channel such that the helical ramp may protrudeout from the inner surface of the housing and may circumferentiallyrotate about a first longitudinal axis of the at least one lens channelat a first predetermined pitch with respect to a first lateral axis ofthe housing. In an example embodiment, the first predetermined pitch ofthe helical ramp may correspond to an angle between the helical ramp andthe first lateral axis.

In an example embodiment, the helical rib may have a first edge and asecond edge. The first edge of the helical ramp face towards the scanwindow end portion of the housing while a second edge that face towardsthe sensor end portion of the housing. In an example embodiment, adistance between the first edge of the helical ramp and the second edgeof the helical ramp along the first central longitudinal axis of the atleast one lens channel corresponds to a first width of the helical ramp.In some examples, the helical ramp may have a constant first width, asthe helical ramp rotates about the first central longitudinal axis ofthe at least one lens channel. In some examples, the helical ramp mayhave a first end and a second end. The first end of the helical ramp andthe second end of the helical ramp correspond to circumferentialextremities of the helical ramp. Further, because of the firstpredetermined pitch of the helical ramp, the first end of the helicalramp is positioned proximal to the scan window end portion of thehousing while the second end of the helical ramp is positioned proximalto the sensor end portion of the housing. In an instance in which thehelical ramp is defined to rotate by at least 360 degrees about thefirst central longitudinal axis of the at least one lens channel, thefirst end of the helical ramp may be positioned adjacent to the secondend of the helical ramp along the first central longitudinal axis of theat least one lens channel. Accordingly, the first end and the secondend, in conjunction, define a blocking section. The purpose of theblocking section is further described below.

In alternative embodiment, the helical ramp may extend from the firstedge of the helical ramp to the sensor end portion of the housing. Insuch an embodiment, the helical ramp may not have the second edge andthe first edge of the helical ramp may define a first step, as viewedfrom the scan window end portion of the housing. Since helical rampcircumferentially rotates about the first longitudinal axis of the atleast one lens channel at a first predetermined pitch, the first stepalso rotates about the first longitudinal axis of the at least one lenschannel at the first predetermined pitch.

In some examples, the first step divides the at least one lens channelin a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the atleast one lens channel extends from the scan window end portion of thehousing to the first step (defined by the helical ramp and the innersurface of the housing). The second portion of the at least one lenschannel extends from the first step to the sensor end portion of the atleast one lens channel. As the first step is defined by the helical rampthat protrudes out from the inner surface of the housing and the helicalramp extends from the first step to the sensor end portion of thehousing, therefore, a diameter of the at least one lens channel in thefirst portion is greater than a diameter of the at least one lenschannel in the second portion.

In some examples, the first step may have a first end and a second end.The first end of the first step and the second end of the first stepcorresponds to circumferential extremities of helical ramp. Further,because of the first predetermined pitch of the first step, the firstend of the first step is positioned proximal to the scan window endportion of the housing while the second end of the first step ispositioned proximal to the sensor end portion of the housing. In aninstance in which the first step is defined to rotate by at least 360degrees about the first central longitudinal axis of the at least onelens channel, the first end of the first step may be positioned adjacentto the second end of the first step along the first central longitudinalaxis of the at least one lens channel. Accordingly, the first end andthe second end of the first step define the blocking section.

Additionally, the inner surface of the housing defines at least one gluepocket within the at least one lens channel. The at least one gluepocket may extend from the inner surface of the housing to the outersurface of the housing. In some examples, the at least one glue pocketmay correspond to a through hole that extends from the inner surface ofthe housing to the outer surface of the housing. It is commonlyunderstood that when a through hole is defined in a housing, one or moreedge surfaces, defining a periphery of the through hole, also getcreated. Accordingly, a periphery of the at least one glue pocket may bedefined by the one or more edge surfaces that may extend from the outersurface of the housing to the inner surface of the housing. In someexamples, the one or more edge surfaces may define a shape of the atleast one glue pocket. In one example embodiment, the at least one gluepocket may have an arcuate shape such that a first edge surface of theone or more edge surfaces is parallel to a second edge surface of theone or more edge surfaces. Further a third edge surface and a fourthedge surface of the one or more edge surfaces may have a semi-circularprofile. For example, the third edge surface and the fourth edge surfacemay be C-shaped profile. In an example embodiment, the inner surface ofthe housing may define the at least one glue pocket in such manner thatthe first edge surface (of the one or more edge surfaces defining theperiphery of the at least one glue pocket) may be positioned proximal tothe sensor end portion of the housing, while the second edge surface (ofthe one or more edge surfaces defining the periphery of the at least oneglue pocket) may be positioned proximal to the scan window end portionof the housing. Further, in some examples, the first edge surface may beparallel with a portion of the first edge of the helical ramp defined inthe at least one lens channel. More particularly, the first edge surface(proximal to the sensor end portion of the housing) is parallel with theportion of the first edge of the helical ramp positioned below the firstedge portion along a vertical axis of the housing. To this end, a firstplane passing through the first edge surface along the vertical axis ofthe housing may be parallel to the second plane passing through theportion of the first edge of the helical ramp along the vertical axis ofthe housing. Since the second edge surface is parallel to the first edgesurface and the first edge surface is parallel to the portion of thefirst edge of the helical ramp therefore, the first edge surface, thesecond edge surface, and the portion of the first edge of the helicalramp are parallel with each other. In some examples, the scope of thedisclosure is not limited to the first edge surface being parallel tothe second edge surface. In an alternative embodiment, the first edgesurface may be parallel to the portion of the first edge of the helicalramp, however, the first edge surface may not be parallel to the secondedge surface.

In an example embodiment, the at least one glue pocket may be definedproximal to the scan window end portion of the housing such that the atleast one glue pocket is defined between the scan end portion of thehousing and the helical ramp. Further, the helical ramp is definedproximal to the sensor end portion such that the helical ramp is definedbetween the glue pocket and the sensor end portion of the housing.

In an example embodiment, the at least one lens channel is configured toreceive the lens barrel from the scan window end portion. In an exampleembodiment, the lens barrel may correspond to lens housing for one ormore lenses. As discussed, the one or more lenses may be configured tofocus the light received from the object onto an image sensor positionedat the sensor end portion of the housing. In some examples, the lensbarrel has a sensor end, a light receiving end, and an outer surfacethat extends between the sensor end of the lens barrel and the lightreceiving end of the lens barrel. The outer surface of the lens barreldefines at least one cam that protrudes out from the outer surface ofthe lens barrel and extends along a second longitudinal central axis ofthe lens barrel. In some examples, the at least one cam may have a firstend, a second end, and a central portion. The first end of the at leastone cam is configured to be proximal to the sensor end of the lensbarrel, while the second end of the at least one cam is proximal to thelight receiving end of the lens barrel. In some examples, the centralportion of the at least one cam extends between the first end of the atleast one cam and the second end of the at least one cam. In an exampleembodiment, the at least one cam may have a trapezoidal shape, anelliptical shape, a rectangular shape, and/or the like.

Additionally, the outer surface of the lens barrel defines a helical ribthat protrudes out from the outer surface of the lens barrel. Further,the outer surface of the lens barrel defines the helical rib such thatthe helical rib circumferentially rotates about the second longitudinalcentral axis of the lens barrel. Furthermore, the outer surface definesthe helical rib such that the helical rib is angled at a secondpredetermined pitch with respect to a second lateral axis of the lensbarrel. In an example embodiment, the second predetermined pitch maycorrespond to an angle between the helical rib and the second lateralaxis of the lens barrel. In some examples, the first predetermined pitchof the helical ramp is same as the second predetermined pitch of thehelical rib. Since the outer surface of the lens barrel defines the camalong the second longitudinal central axis of the lens barrel and sincethe outer surface of the lens barrel defines the helical rib to rotatecircumferentially around the longitudinal central axis of the lensbarrel, in some examples, the helical rib may intersect the cam. Forexample, the helical rib may intersect the cam at the second end of thecam and at the central portion of the cam.

In an example embodiment, the helical rib may have a first edge and asecond edge. The first edge of the helical rib faces toward the sensorend of the lens barrel, while the second edge of the helical rib facestoward the light receiving end of the lens barrel. Further, a secondwidth of the helical rib may be defined as a distance between the firstedge of the helical rib and the second edge of the helical rib, alongthe second central longitudinal axis of the lens barrel. In an exampleembodiment, the helical rib may have a constant second width, as thehelical rib rotates about the second central longitudinal axis of thelens barrel. In alternate embodiment, the helical rib may not have asecond edge. In such an embodiment, the helical rib may extend from thefirst edge of the helical rib to the light receiving end of the lensbarrel. Further, in such embodiment, the first edge may correspond to asecond step. In some examples, the second step of the helical ribdivides the lens barrel into a first portion and a second portion, thefirst portion of the lens barrel extends from the light receiving endportion to the second step of the helical rib, while the second portionof the lens barrel extends from the second step of the helical rib tothe sensor end of the lens barrel. Further, since the helical ribprotrudes from the outer surface of the lens barrel and the helical ribextends between the second step of the helical rib and the lightreceiving end of the lens barrel, therefore, a diameter the firstportion of the lens barrel is greater than a diameter of the secondportion of the lens barrel. Furthermore, in such embodiment (where thehelical rib extends between the light receiving end of the lens barreland the first edge of the helical rib), the cam may not have the secondend.

In an instance in which the lens barrel is received in the at least onelens channel, the first end of the cam abuts the first edge of thehelical ramp defined on the inner surface of the at least one lenschannel. In alternate embodiment, the first end of the cam abuts thefirst step defined by helical ramp and the inner surface of the housing.In some examples, the cam is slidable on the helical ramp, thereby,enabling adjustment of the position of the lens barrel in the at leastone lens channel along the first central longitudinal axis of the atleast one lens channel. For example, to adjust the position of the lensbarrel in the at least one lens channel, the lens barrel may be rotatedabout the second central longitudinal axis of the lens barrel, while thecam on the lens barrel abuts the first edge of the helical ramp. Suchrotation causes the cam to slide on the first edge of the helical rampin the at least one lens channel. Since the first edge of the helicalramp has the first predetermined pitch with respect to the first lateralaxis of the housing, sliding of the cam on the step changes the positionof the lens barrel along the first central longitudinal axis of the atleast one lens channel. In some examples, the position of the lensbarrel in the at least one lens channel along the first centrallongitudinal axis of the at least one lens channel may be adjusted tomodify a focal point of the one or more lenses in the lens barrel. Thefocal point of the lens barrel may be adjusted to ensure that the lightreceived by the lens barrel gets focused on the image sensor (positionedat the sensor end portion of the housing).

In some examples, the rotation of the lens barrel within the at leastone lens channel is restricted by the blocking section defined by thefirst end of the helical ramp and the second end of the helical ramp.For example, the lens barrel may be rotatable in a clockwise directionin the at least one lens channel until the cam on the lens barrel abutsthe blocking section (defined by the first end of the helical ramp andthe second end of the helical ramp). The blocking section thwartsfurther rotation of the lens barrel in the clockwise direction. In someexamples, the lens barrel may be thereafter rotatable in theanti-clockwise direction.

In an example embodiment, additionally, when the lens barrel is receivedin the at least one lens channel and the first end of the at least onecam abuts the first edge of helical ramp, a portion of the helical rib(defined by the outer surface of the lens barrel) extends out from thesecond edge surface (proximal of the scan window end portion of thehousing) of the one or more edge surfaces defining the periphery of theat least one glue pocket. Since the second predetermined pitch of thehelical rib is same as the first predetermined pitch of the helical ramp(defined in the lens channel), a distance between the helical rib andthe helical ramp remains constant, irrespective of the position of thelens barrel (along the first central longitudinal axis of the at leastone lens channel) within the at least one lens channel. As discussed,the helical ramp and the first edge surface (proximal of the sensor endportion of the housing) of the one or more edge surfaces defining theperiphery of the at least one glue pocket, are parallel. Accordingly, adistance between the first edge of the helical rib (facing towards thesensor end of the lens barrel) and the first edge surface (proximal ofthe scan window end portion of the housing) of the one or more edgesurfaces defining the periphery of the glue pocket, also remainsconstant, irrespective of the position of the lens barrel in the atleast one lens channel (along the first central longitudinal axis of theat least one lens channel).

Furthering the example embodiment, as the distance between the firstedge of the helical rib (facing towards the sensor end of the lensbarrel) and the first edge surface (proximal of the sensor end portionof the housing), of the one or more edge surfaces defining the peripheryof the at least one glue pocket, remains constant, an amount of adhesiveto be disposed between the first edge of the helical rib (facing towardsthe sensor end of the lens barrel) and the first edge surface (proximalof the sensor end portion of the housing), of the one or more edgesurfaces defining the periphery of the at least one glue pocket, remainsconstant across various manufactured imaging unit. Therefore,manufacturing consistency is achieved across multiple imaging units. Forexample, variations due to curing of the glue (e.g., movement of thelens barrel within lens channel due to curing of the glue) remainconsistent during manufacturing of various imaging units. Therefore, anyanticipated change in the focal point of the lens barrel (due to gluecuring) can be compensated prior to the glue curing consistently acrossvarious imaging unit. Additionally, the shrinkage of the adhesive pullsthe helical rib on the lens barrel towards the helical ramp in the atleast one lens channel, which causes tight abutting of the cam on thestep created by the helical ramp.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view 100 of an image capturing device102, according to one or more embodiments described herein. In anexample embodiment, the image capturing device 102 may correspond to abarcode scanner that may be capable of scanning and reading machinereadable codes such as a barcode, a QR code, 2D code, Datamatrix code,and/or the like. In some example, the image capturing device 102 may befurther capable of reading and recognizing text from an image, withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure.

In an example embodiment, the image capturing device 102 may include ahead portion 104, a handle portion 106, and a trigger button 108. Insome examples, the head portion 104 may have an arcuate shape that has ascan window end 110 and a rear end 112. In an example embodiment, thescan window end 110 and the rear end 112 of the head portion 104 may bespaced apart from each other along a first lateral axis 118. In anexample embodiment, the head portion 104 may define a scan window 114,at the scan window end 110 of the head portion 104. In an exampleembodiment, the scan window 114 may be configured to receive an imagingunit 116. In an example embodiment, the imaging unit 116 may include oneor more components (e.g., processors, lenses, illumination devices,cameras, and/or the like) for performing scanning operations. Thestructure of the imaging unit 116 is further described in conjunctionwith FIGS. 2-7 .

The handle portion 106 may extend out from the head portion 104 along afirst longitudinal axis 120 of the image capturing device 102. In someexamples, the trigger button 108 may be positioned on the handle portion106. In some examples, the trigger button 108 may be positioned on thehead portion 104, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

By way of example, a user of the image capturing device 102 may pointthe image capturing device 102 in the direction of a target object suchthat the scan window end 110 is pointed towards the target object. Theuser may input a command (e.g., via the trigger button 108) and causethe imaging unit 116 to scan the target object. In some embodiments, theinformation gathered by the imaging unit 116 may be transmitted a host(not shown) over a communication network (not shown).

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate a perspective view 200 and an exploded view300 of the imaging unit 116, respectively, according to one or moreembodiments described herein. Referring to FIG. 2 , the imaging unit 116includes a housing 202, a first lens barrel 204, a second lens barrel206, an illumination and aiming lens assembly 208, a first image sensor209, and a second image sensor 211.

The housing 202 of the imaging unit 116 corresponds to a cuboidalhousing that includes a scan window end portion 210 and a sensor endportion 212. In an example embodiment, the scan window end portion 210may be spaced apart from the sensor end portion 212 along a secondlateral axis 214. The sensor end portion 212 of the housing 202 may beconfigured to fixedly receive the first image sensor 209 and the secondimage sensor 211. Further, the scan window end portion 210 of thehousing 202 may be configured to be pointed towards the scan window end110 of the head portion 104, in an instance in which the imaging unit116 is received in the head portion 104 of the image capturing device102.

Further, the housing 202 of the imaging unit 116 has top portion 216, abottom portion 218, a first side portion 220, and a second side portion222. In an example embodiment, the bottom portion 218 is parallel to thetop portion 216. Further, the bottom portion 218 and the top portion 216are spaced apart from each other along a vertical axis 224. In someexamples, the first side portion 220 is parallel to the second sideportion 222. Further, the first side portion 220 and the second sideportion 222 are spaced apart along a second longitudinal axis 226. In anexample embodiment, the second lateral axis 214, the vertical axis 224,and the second longitudinal axis 226 are perpendicular to each other.

In some examples, the top portion 216 of the housing 202 has a topsurface 228, while the bottom portion 218 has a bottom surface 230.Similarly, in some examples, the first side portion 220 and the secondside portion 222 has a first side surface 232 and a second side surface234, respectively. In an example embodiment, the top surface 228, thebottom surface 230, the first side surface 232, and a second sidesurface 234, together define an outer surface 236 of the housing 202.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the housing of the imaging unit 116 has an innersurface 238. The inner surface 238 of the housing 202 defines a firstlens channel 302 such that the first lens channel is positioned proximalto the first side portion 220 of the housing 202 and distal from thesecond side portion 222 of the housing 202. Further, the inner surface238 of the housing 202 defines a second lens channel 304 such that thesecond lens channel positioned proximal to the second side portion 222of the housing 202 and distal from the first side portion 220 of thehousing 202. In an example embodiment, the first lens channel 302 andthe second lens channel 304 extends between the scan window end portion210 and the sensor end portion 212, of the housing 202. In someexamples, the first lens channel 302 and the second lens channel 304 mayhave a cylindrical shape. Further, the first lens channel 302 and thesecond lens channel 304 are sized to receive the first lens barrel 204and the second lens barrel 206.

Further, the inner surface 238 of the housing 202 defines a first gluepocket 306 and a second glue pocket 305 in the first lens channel 302.Furthermore, the inner surface 238 of the housing defines a third gluepocket 307 and fourth glue pocket 308 in the second lens channel 302.The second glue pocket 305 in the first lens channel 302 is depicted inFIG. 4 . In an example embodiment, the first glue pocket 306, the secondglue pocket 308, the third glue pocket 307 and the fourth glue pocket308 correspond to a through hole that extends from the inner surface 238of the housing 202 to the outer surface 236 of the housing 202. Forexample, in the second lens channel 304, the fourth glue pocket 308extends from the inner surface 238 of the housing 202 to the top surface228 of the housing 202. Similarly, in the second lens channel 304, thethird glue pocket 307 extends from the inner surface 238 of the housing202 to the bottom surface 230 of the housing 202.

In an example embodiment, the structure of the first glue pocket 306,the second glue pocket 305, the third glue pocket 307 and the fourthglue pocket 308 are same. The structural details of the first gluepocket, described hereinafter, are also applicable on the second gluepocket 305, the third glue pocket 307 and the fourth glue pocket 308.

In some examples, defining a glue pocket (e.g., the first glue pocket306) creates one or more edge surfaces in the housing 202 that maydefine a periphery of the first glue pocket 306. The one or more edgesurfaces may extend from the inner surface 238 of the housing 202 to theouter surface 236 of the housing 202. In an example embodiment, the oneor more edge surfaces (defining the periphery of the first glue pocket306) includes a first edge surface 312, a second edge surface 314, athird edge surface 316, and a fourth edge surface 318.

In an example embodiment, the first edge surface 312 of the one or moreedge surfaces (defining the periphery of the first glue pocket 306) maybe proximate to the sensor end portion 212 of the housing 202, while thesecond edge surface 314 of the one or more edge surfaces (defining theperiphery of the first glue pocket 306) may be proximate to the scanwindow end portion 210 of the housing 202. Further, the first edgesurface 312 of the one or more edge surfaces (defining the periphery ofthe first glue pocket 306) is parallel to the second edge surface 314 ofthe one or more edge surfaces (defining the periphery of the first gluepocket 306). In some examples, the scope of the disclosure is notlimited to the second edge surface 314 being parallel to the first edgesurface 312. In an example embodiment, the first edge surface 312 maynot be parallel to the first edge surface 314, without departing fromthe scope of the disclosure.

In an example embodiment, the first edge surface 312 of the one or moreedge surfaces is spaced apart from the second edge surface 314 along thesecond lateral axis 214 of the housing 202 by a first predetermineddistance. The significance of the first predetermined distance isdescribed later in conjunction with FIG. 7 .

In some examples, the third edge surface 316 of the one or more edgesurfaces (defining the periphery of the first glue pocket 306) may beparallel to the fourth edge surface 318. Further, the third edge surface316 is spaced apart from the fourth edge surface 318 along the secondlongitudinal axis 226 of the housing 202. Furthermore, the third edgesurface 316 may be proximal to the first side portion 220 of the housing202, while the fourth edge surface 318 may be proximal to the secondside portion 222 of the housing 202. In some examples, the scope of thedisclosure is not limited to the third edge surface 316 being parallelto the fourth edge surface 318. In an example embodiment, the third edgesurface 316 and the fourth edge surface 318 may have a C-shaped profileand inverted C-shaped profile, respectively. In some examples, the scopeof the disclosure is not limited to the third edge surface 316 and thefourth edge surface 318 having the C-shaped profile and invertedC-shaped profile, respectively. In an example embodiment, the third edgesurface 316 and the fourth edge surface 318 may have any other profile,without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In an example embodiment, the inner surface 238 defines a helical ramp(further described in FIG. 4 ) in each of the first lens channel 302 andthe second lens channel 304. The structure of the helical ramp isfurther described in conjunction with FIG. 4 .

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view 400 of the housing 202 obtained whenthe housing 202 is cut by a first plane 401 passing through the firstglue pocket 306 and the second glue pocket 305 along the vertical axis224, according to one or more embodiments described herein. Thesectional view 400 of the housing 202 illustrates that the inner surface238 of the housing 202 defines the helical ramp 402 such that thehelical ramp 402 protrudes out from the inner surface 238 of the housing202 within the first lens channel 302. Further, the helical ramp 402rotates about a first central longitudinal axis 404 of the first lenschannel 302. Furthermore, the helical ramp 402 is angled at a firstpredetermined pitch with respect to a first lateral axis 403 of thehousing 202. In an example embodiment, the first predetermined pitch ofthe helical ramp 402 may correspond to an angle between the helical ramp402 and the first lateral axis 403.

In some examples, the helical ramp 402 protrudes out from the innersurface 238 of the housing 202 such that the helical ramp 402 has afirst edge 405 and a second edge 407. The first edge 405 of the helicalramp 402 face towards to the scan window end portion 210 of the housing202, while the second edge 407 of the helical ramp 402 face towards thesensor end portion 212 of the housing 202. In an example embodiment, thehelical ramp 402 may have a first width along the vertical axis 224 ofthe housing 202. Further, the helical ramp 402 has a continuous width,as the helical ramp 402 rotates about the first central longitudinalaxis 404 of the first lens channel 302. In some examples, the firstwidth of the helical ramp 402 along the vertical axis 224 causes firstedge 407 of the helical ramp to define a first step 406, as viewed fromthe scan window end portion 210 of the housing 202. The helical ramp 402rotates about the first central longitudinal axis 404 of the first lenschannel 302, the first step 406 (formed by the helical ramp 402 and theinner surface 238) also rotates about the first central longitudinalaxis 404 of the first lens channel 302, and may have the firstpredetermined pitch with respect to the first lateral axis 403.Accordingly, the first step 406 may correspond to a helical step thatrotates about the first central longitudinal axis 404 of the first lenschannel 302. In some examples, as viewed from the top surface 228 of thehousing, the first step 406 may have a portion 408 that is positionedbelow first edge surface 312 (of the one or more edge surfaces definingthe periphery of the first glue pocket 306) along the vertical axis 224of the housing 202. Further, as viewed from the top surface 228 of thehousing, the first step 406 may have a portion 414 that is positionedabove the first edge surface 312 of the one or more edge surfacesdefining the periphery of the second glue pocket 305 on the bottomsurface 230 of the imaging unit 116.

In some examples, the helical ramp 402 may have a first end and a secondend (not shown). The first end of the helical ramp 402 and the secondend of the helical ramp 402 correspond to circumferential extremities ofhelical ramp. Further, because of the first predetermined pitch of thehelical ramp 402, the first end of the helical ramp 402 is positionedproximal to the scan window end portion of the housing while the secondend of the helical ramp 402 is positioned proximal to the sensor endportion of the housing. In an instance in which the helical ramp 402 isdefined to rotate by at least 360 degrees about the first centrallongitudinal axis 404 of the first lens channel 302, the first end ofthe helical ramp may be positioned adjacent to the second end of thehelical ramp 402 along the first central longitudinal axis 404 of thefirst lens channel 302. Accordingly, the first end and the second end,in conjunction, define a blocking section. The purpose of the blockingsection is further described below in conjunction with FIGS. 5-7 .

In an example embodiment, a second plane 410 passing through the portion408 of the first step 406, along the vertical axis 224 of the housing202, may be parallel to a third plane 412 passing through a portion ofthe first edge surface 312, (of the one or more edge surfaces definingthe periphery of the first glue pocket 306) along the vertical axis 224of the housing 202. In alternative embodiment, the second plane 410(passing through the portion 408 of the first step 406) may be coplanarthe third plane 412 passing through the first edge surface 312 (of theone or more edge surfaces defining the periphery of the first gluepocket 306). Accordingly, the portion 408 of the first step 406 may becoplanar with a portion the first edge surface 312. For the purpose ofongoing description, it is considered that the portion 408 of the firststep 406 (hereinafter referred to as the portion of the helical ramp402) is parallel with the first edge surface 312. In an exampleembodiment, the helical ramp 402 is defined by the inner surface 238between the first glue pocket 306 and the sensor end portion 212 of thehousing 202.

In alternative embodiment, the helical ramp 402 may not have the secondedge 407. In such embodiment, the helical ramp 402 protrudes out fromthe inner surface 238 of the housing 202 such that the helical ramp 402extends from the first step 406 to the sensor end portion 212 of thehousing 202. Therefore, the first step 406 divides the first lenschannel 302 into a first portion and a second portion. In some examples,the first portion of the first lens channel 302 may extend from the scanwindow end portion 210 of the housing to the first step 406. The secondportion of the first lens channel 302 extends from the first step 406 tothe sensor end portion 212 of the housing 202.

For brevity, FIG. 4 depicts that the first glue pocket 306 and thesecond glue pocket 305 are defined to be lying on the first plane 401.In an alternative embodiment, the first glue pocket 306 may be definedat an offset from the second glue pocket 305 along the first lateralaxis 118 of the housing 202. For example, the first edge surface 312 ofthe first glue pocket 306 may be at an offset from the first edgesurface 312 of the second glue pocket 305 along the first lateral axis118 of the housing 202. Similarly, the second edge surface 314 of thefirst glue pocket 306 may be at the offset from the second edge surface314 of the second glue pocket 305 along the first lateral axis 118 ofthe housing 202. In some examples, the offset between the first edgesurface 312 of the first glue pocket 306 and the first edge surface 312of the second glue pocket 305 may be deterministic from the firstpredetermined pitch of the first step 406. For example, because of thefirst predetermined pitch of the first step 406, the portion 408 of thefirst step 406 (proximal to the top surface 228 of the housing 202) isoffset from the portion 414 of the first step 406 (proximal to thebottom surface 230 of the housing 202). Accordingly, the first edgesurface 312 of the first glue pocket 306 is at an offset from the firstedge surface 312 of the second glue pocket 305.

In some examples, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to thefirst glue pocket 306, second glue pocket 305, the third glue pocket 307and the fourth glue pocket 308 having same structure. In an exampleembodiment, the structure of the first glue pocket 306, the second gluepocket 305, the third glue pocket 307 and the fourth glue pocket 308 mayvary based on the first predetermined pitch of the helical ramp 402.

In an example embodiment, the structure of the helical ramp 402 in thefirst lens channel 302, as is described in FIG. 4 , is also applicableto a similar helical ramp (not depicted) defined in the second lenschannel 304, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Referring back to FIG. 3 , the first lens channel 302 and the secondlens channel 304 are configured to receive the first lens barrel 204 andthe second lens barrel 206, respectively. In an example embodiment, thestructure of the first lens barrel 204 is similar to the structure ofthe second lens barrel 206, without departing from the scope of thedisclosure. The structure the first lens barrel 204 is further describedin conjunction with FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 . The structural details describedin FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are also applicable on the second lens barrel 206.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate a perspective view 500 and a side view 600of the first lens barrel 204, respectively, according to one or moreembodiments described herein. Referring to FIG. 5 , the first lensbarrel 204 includes a lens housing 502 that may be configured to receivea lens assembly (not shown). The lens housing 502 may correspond to acylindrical housing that has a light receiving end 504 and a sensor end506. Further, the lens housing 502 has an outer surface 508 that extendsbetween the light receiving end 504 and the sensor end 506. In anexample embodiment, the outer surface 508 of the lens housing 502defines a first portion 510, a flange portion 512, and a couplingportion 514.

In an example embodiment, the first portion 510 of the lens housing 502extends between the light receiving end 504 and a first junction 516between the first portion 510 and the flange portion 512. The flangeportion 512 extends between the first junction 516 and a second junction602 (refer FIG. 6 ) between the flange portion 512 and the couplingportion 514. In an example embodiment, the flange portion 512 maycorrespond to a protrusion that extends out from the outer surface 508of the lens housing 502. Further, the flange portion 512 may rotateabout the periphery of the lens housing 502. In an example embodiment, adiameter of the first lens barrel 204 in the flange portion 512 maygreater than a diameter of the first lens barrel 204 in the firstportion 510. In some examples, the outer surface 508 may define theflange portion 512 such that the flange portion 512 is defined proximalto the light receiving end 504 of the lens housing 502 and distal fromthe sensor end 506 of the lens housing 502. In some examples, the scopeof the disclosure is not limited to the first lens barrel 204 having theflange portion 512, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In an example embodiment, the coupling portion 514 extends from thesecond junction 602 (refer FIG. 6 ) to the sensor end 506 of the lenshousing 502. In an example embodiment, the outer surface 508 of the lenshousing 502 defines a cam 518, in the coupling portion 514 (of the lenshousing 502). In some examples, the cam 518 protrudes out from the outersurface 508 and extends along a second central longitudinal axis 520 ofthe lens housing 502.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the cam 518 has a first end 604 and a second end606. The second end 606 of the cam 518 is proximal to the secondjunction 602 and is distal from the sensor end 506 of the lens housing502. Further, the first end 604 of the cam 518 is proximal to the sensorend 506 and is distal from the second junction 602. In some examples,the first end 604 of the cam 518 has a semi-circular profile. In someexamples, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the first end604 of the cam 518 having the semi-circular profile. In alternativeembodiment, the first end 604 of the cam 518 may have any other profilewithout departing from the scope of the disclosure. In an exampleembodiment, the cam 518 may further have a second width along a verticalaxis 524. In some examples, the width of the cam 518 along the verticalaxis 524 is same as the first width of the helical ramp 402 (defined inthe first lens channel 302 of the housing 202).

In some examples, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate only one cam 518.However, in alternative embodiment, the first lens barrel 204 may havemore than one cam, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In an example embodiment, the outer surface 508 of the lens housing 502further defines a helical rib 522 within the coupling portion 514 of thelens housing 502. In some examples, the helical rib 522 protrudes outfrom the outer surface 508 of the lens housing 502, and rotates aboutthe periphery of the lens housing 502. In an example embodiment, theouter surface 508 defines the helical rib 522 such that the helical rib522 is angled at a second predetermined pitch. In some examples, thesecond predetermined pitch may correspond to an angle between thehelical rib 522 and second lateral axis 526 of the first lens barrel204. In an example embodiment, the second predetermined pitch of thehelical rib 522 is same as the first predetermined pitch of the helicalramp 402 (defined in the each of the first lens channel 302 and thesecond lens channel 304).

In some examples, the helical rib 522 may intersect the cam 518 at oneor more portions. For example, the helical rib 522 may intersect the cam518 at the second end 606 of the cam 518. Additionally, the helical rib522 may intersect the cam 518 at a third junction 608 between the cam518 and the helical rib 522. In an example embodiment, the thirdjunction 608 may be positioned between the first end 604 of the cam 518and the second end 606 of the cam 518. In some examples, the scope ofthe disclosure is not limited to the helical rib 522 intersecting thecam 518. In an alternative embodiment, the helical rib 522 may notintersect the cam 518. In such an implementation, the helical rib 522may have a first end (not shown) and a second end (not shown). The firstend of the helical rib 522 may be positioned proximal to the second end606 of the cam 518, while the second end of the helical rib 522 may bepositioned proximal to a central portion 616 of the cam 518. In someexamples, the central portion of the cam 518 may correspond to a portionbetween the first end 604 and the second end 606, of the cam 518.

In some examples, the helical rib 522 has a first edge 610 and a secondedge 612. The first edge 610 of the helical rib 522 face towards thesensor end 506 of the lens housing 502. Further, the second edge 612 ofthe helical rib 522 face towards the second junction 602 between thecoupling portion 514 of the lens housing 502 and the flange portion 512of the lens housing 502. In some examples, the helical rib 522 may havea third width that may be defined as a distance, measured along thesecond central longitudinal axis 520, between the first edge 610 of thehelical rib 522 and the second edge 612 of the helical rib 522. Further,the helical rib 522 has a fourth width along the vertical axis 524. Thefourth width of the helical rib 522 may be same as the second width ofthe cam 518.

In alternate embodiment, the helical rib 522 may not have the secondedge 612. In such an embodiment, the helical rib 522 may protrude outfrom the outer surface 508 of the first lens barrel 204 such that thehelical rib 522 extend from the flange portion 512 to the first edge 610of the helical rib 522. To this end, the first edge 610 of the helicalrib 522 corresponds to a second step as viewed from the sensor end 506of the first lens barrel 204. Further, in such embodiment, the cam 518may not have the second end 606. Referring back to FIG. 3 and FIG. 2 ,to assemble the imaging unit 116, the first image sensor 209 and thesecond image sensor 211 are mounted at the sensor end portion 212 of thehousing 202. In some examples, the first image sensor 209 is mounted atthe sensor end portion 212 such that the first image sensor 209 alignswith the first lens channel 302. Similarly, the second image sensor 211is mounted at the sensor end portion 212 such that the second imagesensor 211 aligns with the second lens channel 304. Further, in anexample embodiment, the first lens channel 302 and the second lenschannel 304 are configured to receive the first lens barrel 204 and thesecond lens barrel 206, respectively. In an instance in which the firstlens barrel 204 is received in the first lens channel 302, the first end604 of the cam 518 slibably abuts the first step 406 (defined by thehelical ramp 402) in the first lens channel 302 of the first lens barrel204. In some examples, the cam 518 and the first step 406 (defined inthe first lens channel 302) prevents the first lens barrel 204 fromproceeding into the first lens channel 302 towards the first imagesensor 209. Similarly, the cam 518, defined on the second lens barrel206, and the first step 406 (defined in the second lens channel 304)prevents the second lens barrel 206 from proceeding into the second lenschannel 304 towards the second image sensor 211. Further, when the cam518 abuts the first step 406, the first edge 612 of the helical rib 522is positioned at a second predetermined distance from the first step406.

In some examples, (during assembly of the imaging unit 116) the firstlens barrel 204 may be rotatable within first lens channel 302, whilethe first end 604 of the cam abuts the first step 406, to adjust a focalpoint of the first lens barrel 204. In an example embodiment, the firststep 406 (defined by the helical ramp 402) may provide a track (by meansof the first step 406) for rotating the first lens barrel 204. Forexample, the first end 604 of the cam 518 may be slidable on the firststep 406 (defining the track) to facilitate rotating of the first lensbarrel 204 within the first lens channel 302. Since the first step 406has the first predetermined pitch with respect to the first lateral axis403, sliding the cam 518 (defined on the first lens barrel 204) causesthe first lens barrel 204 to move along the first central longitudinalaxis 404 of the first lens channel 302. Accordingly, the position of thefirst lens barrel 204 within the first lens channel 302 gets modified.Modifying the position of the first lens barrel 204 modifies the focalpoint of the first lens barrel 204. In some examples, the focal point ofthe first lens barrel 204 may be modified in order to ensure that thefirst lens barrel 204 focuses light on the first image sensor 209(aligned with the first lens channel 302).

In some examples, the rotation of the first lens barrel 204 within thefirst lens channel 302 is restricted by the blocking section defined bythe first end (not shown) of the helical ramp 402 and the second end(not shown) of the helical ramp 402. For example, the first lens barrel204 may be rotatable in a clockwise direction in the first lens channel302 until the cam 518 on the first lens barrel 204 abuts the blockingsection (defined by the first end of the helical ramp 402 and the secondend of the helical ramp 402). The blocking section thwarts furtherrotation of the first lens barrel 204 in the clockwise direction. Insome examples, the first lens barrel 204 may be thereafter rotatable inthe counter-clockwise direction.

Further, in an instance in which the first lens barrel 204 is receivedin the first lens channel 302 and the first end 604 of the cam 518 abutsthe helical ramp 402, a portion of the helical rib 522 (defined on thefirst lens barrel 204) extends out from the second edge surface 314 ofthe one or more edge surfaces defining the first glue pocket 306, as isfurther illustrated in FIG. 7 . In some examples, to enable that theportion of the helical rib 522 extends out from the second edge surface314, the first predetermined distance between the first edge surface 312and the second edge surface 314 may be greater than a secondpredetermined distance between the first edge 612 of the helical rib 522and the step 408.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view 700 of the imaging unit 116, according toone or more embodiments described herein. Referring to FIG. 7 , aportion 702 of the helical rib 522 extends out from the second edgesurface 314 of the one or more edge surfaces defining the periphery ofthe first glue pocket 306. In some examples, the portion 702 of thehelical rib 522 includes the first edge 612 of the helical rib 522. Inanother example, the portion 702 of the helical rib 522 may exclude thesecond edge 614 of the helical rib 522. Since the second predeterminedpitch of the helical rib 522 is same as the first predetermined pitch ofthe helical ramp 402, accordingly, the helical rib 522 is parallel tothe helical ramp 402 (not visible in FIG. 7 ). Further, since the firstedge surface 312 of the one or more edge surfaces (defining theperiphery of the first glue pocket 306) is parallel with the portion 408of the helical ramp 402, the first edge surface 312 (defining theperiphery of the first glue pocket 306) is parallel to the helical rib522. Accordingly, a third predetermined distance (depicted by 704)between the first edge 612 of the helical rib 522 and the first edgesurface 312 (defining the periphery of the first glue pocket 306)remains constant, irrespective of the position of the first lens barrel204 in the first lens channel 302. For example, when the position of thefirst lens barrel 204 is modified (by rotating the first lens barrel 204in the first lens channel 302), the third predetermined distance 704between the first edge 612 of the helical rib 522 and the first edgesurface 312 (defining the periphery of the first glue pocket 306)remains constant.

Once the position of the first lens barrel 206 is set in the first lenschannel 302, adhesive may be disposed in the first glue pocket 306 andthe second glue pocket 305 of the first lens channel 302. Since thedistance between the first edge 612 of the helical rib 522 and the firstedge surface 312 (defining the periphery of the first glue pocket 306)remains constant, the glue is uniformly disposed between the first edge612 of the helical rib 522 and the first edge surface 312 (defining theperiphery of the first glue pocket 306). As discussed, in some examples,since the portion of the helical ramp 402 is parallel with the firstedge surface 312 (defining the periphery of the first glue pocket 306),the adhesive is uniformly disposed between the first edge 612 of thehelical rib 522 and the helical ramp 402. Accordingly, in an instance inwhich the adhesive cures, the adhesive shrinks leading to the first edge612 of the helical rib 522 getting pulled towards the helical ramp 402.To this end, the first end 604 of the cam 518 gets tightly abutted withthe helical ramp 402.

Further, since the distance between the first edge 612 of the helicalrib 522 and the first edge surface 312 (defining the periphery of thefirst glue pocket 306) remains constant, an amount of adhesive to bedisposed remains constant during manufacturing of various imaging unitsas well. Accordingly, variations due to curing of the glue (e.g.,movement of the lens barrel within lens channel due to curing of theglue) remain consistent during manufacturing of various imaging units.Therefore, any anticipated change in focal point of the lens barrel canbe compensated prior to curing of the glue.

In some example embodiments, certain ones of the operations herein maybe modified or further amplified as described below. Moreover, in someembodiments additional optional operations may also be included. Itshould be appreciated that each of the modifications, optional additionsor amplifications described herein may be included with the operationsherein either alone or in combination with any others among the featuresdescribed herein.

The foregoing method descriptions and the process flow diagrams areprovided merely as illustrative examples and are not intended to requireor imply that the steps of the various embodiments must be performed inthe order presented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the artthe order of steps in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in anyorder. Words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intendedto limit the order of the steps; these words are simply used to guidethe reader through the description of the methods. Further, anyreference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using thearticles “a,” “an” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting theelement to the singular.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although the figuresonly show certain components of the apparatus and systems describedherein, it is understood that various other components may be used inconjunction with the image capturing device. Therefore, it is to beunderstood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Moreover, the steps in the method described above may not necessarilyoccur in the order depicted in the accompanying diagrams, and in somecases one or more of the steps depicted may occur substantiallysimultaneously, or additional steps may be involved. Although specificterms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptivesense only and not for purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. An imaging unit, comprising: a housing thatcomprises an inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the housingdefines a lens channel, and wherein the inner surface of the lenschannel defines: a helical step that protrudes outwardly from the innersurface into the lens channel, wherein the helical step is angled at afirst predetermined pitch; a first glue pocket, in the lens channel,which extends from the inner surface of the lens channel to a topsurface of the housing; and a second glue pocket opposite to the firstglue pocket, in the lens channel, which extends from the inner surfaceof the lens channel to a bottom surface of the housing, wherein thefirst glue pocket is at an offset from the second glue pocket along afirst lateral axis of the housing based on the first predetermined pitchof the helical step.
 2. The imaging unit of claim 1, further comprisinga lens barrel received in the lens channel, the lens barrel comprisingan outer surface that defines: a cam that protrudes from the outersurface of the lens barrel, wherein the cam abuts the helical step; anda helical rib that protrudes from the outer surface of the lens barrel,wherein the helical rib is angled at a second predetermined pitch,wherein the first predetermined pitch of the helical step is the same asthe second predetermined pitch of the helical rib.
 3. The imaging unitof claim 2, wherein the housing comprises a first edge surface, defininga portion of a periphery of the first glue pocket, such that the firstedge surface is parallel with a portion of the helical step.
 4. Theimaging unit of claim 3, wherein the housing further comprises a secondedge surface, a third edge surface, and a fourth edge surface, whereinthe first edge surface, the second edge surface, the third edge surface,and the fourth edge surface define the periphery of the first gluepocket, and wherein the second edge surface is parallel to the firstedge surface.
 5. The imaging unit of claim 4, wherein a portion of thehelical rib extends out from the second edge surface, defining theportion of the periphery of the first glue pocket.
 6. The imaging unitof claim 4, wherein a distance between the first edge surface of thefirst glue pocket and an edge of the helical rib remains constant as thecam slides over the helical step to adjust a position of the lens barrelin the lens channel.
 7. The imaging unit of claim 4, wherein a distancebetween the second edge surface of the first glue pocket and an edge ofthe helical rib remains constant as the cam slides over the helical stepto adjust a position of the lens barrel in the lens channel.
 8. Theimaging unit of claim 4, wherein glue is disposed between an edge of thehelical rib and the first edge surface, defining the periphery of thefirst glue pocket.
 9. The imaging unit of claim 2, wherein the cam has afirst end and a second end, wherein the first end of the cam abuts thehelical step.
 10. The imaging unit of claim 9, wherein the helical ribintersects with the cam at the first end of the cam.
 11. The imagingunit of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a first edge surface,defining a portion of a periphery of the first glue pocket, such thatthe first edge surface is parallel with a portion of the helical step,and wherein the first edge surface of the first glue pocket and thehelical step are parallel to each other.
 12. The imaging unit of claim1, wherein the housing has a scan window end portion, and a sensor endportion spaced apart from the scan window end portion along the firstlateral axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the housing.
 13. Ahousing of an imaging unit, the housing comprising: an inner surface,wherein the inner surface of the housing defines a lens channel, andwherein the inner surface of the lens channel defines: a helical stepthat protrudes outwardly from the inner surface into the lens channel,wherein the helical step is angled at a first predetermined pitch; afirst glue pocket, in the lens channel, which extends from the innersurface of the lens channel to a top surface of the housing; and asecond glue pocket opposite to the first glue pocket, in the lenschannel, which extends from the inner surface of the lens channel to abottom surface of the housing, wherein the first glue pocket is at anoffset from the second glue pocket along a first lateral axis of thehousing based on the first predetermined pitch of the helical step. 14.The housing of claim 13, wherein the housing comprises a first edgesurface, defining a portion of a periphery of the first glue pocket,such that the first edge surface is parallel with a portion of thehelical step.
 15. The housing of claim 14, wherein the housing furthercomprises a second edge surface, a third edge surface, and a fourth edgesurface, wherein the first edge surface, the second edge surface, thethird edge surface, and the fourth edge surface define the periphery ofthe first glue pocket, and wherein the second edge surface is parallelto the first edge surface.
 16. The housing of claim 15, wherein aportion of a helical rib of a lens barrel extends out from the secondedge surface, defining the portion of the periphery of the first gluepocket.
 17. The housing of claim 15, wherein a distance between thefirst edge surface of the first glue pocket and an edge of a helical ribof a lens barrel remains constant as the cam slides over the helicalstep to adjust a position of the lens barrel in the lens channel. 18.The housing of claim 15, wherein a distance between the second edgesurface of the first glue pocket and an edge of a helical rib of a lensbarrel remains constant as the cam slides over the helical step toadjust a position of the lens barrel in the lens channel.
 19. Thehousing of claim 15, wherein glue is disposed between an edge of ahelical rib of a lens barrel and the first edge surface, defining theperiphery of the first glue pocket.
 20. The housing of claim 13, whereinthe housing comprises a first edge surface, defining a portion of aperiphery of the first glue pocket, such that the first edge surface isparallel with a portion of the helical step, and wherein the first edgesurface of the first glue pocket and the helical step are parallel toeach other.